Keep Your Home Leak-Free With the Best Gutter Guard

Gutters are an important part of our homes as they help maintain structural longevity and integrity. When it rains, the gutters help collect water and redirect it from your home. Anyone looking to protect his or her gutter needs gutter guards.

If you are purchasing a gutter guard for the first time and you need guidance with it, we’ve got you covered. With dozens of gutter guards out there, how will you find the perfect one? Keep reading to find out!

Guide to buying gutter guards

When buying a gutter guard, look for the one with a good airflow and water score. Also, factor in the material the gutter guard is made of. Your choice depends on the type of dirt and debris you want to shield your gutter from. The most popular type of gutter guard is the plastic screen style because they function as a barrier. They have holes that the rainwater passes through. Also, there are wire mesh gutter guards which do the same thing as screen-style gutter guards. If you are looking for a cost-effective type, you may consider the foam guards. The drawback with foam guards is that their quality deteriorates fast.

You should aim for a water guard that has proper ventilation so that it doesn't emit a foul odor. Also, make sure the one you pick is easy to install and comes with fasteners.

Categories of gutter guards

Being informed about the gutter guard options available to you when searching for a gutter guard will save you a lot of stress. Here is a breakdown of some of the gutter guards out there in the market:

Brush gutter guards

These guards come with bristles which makes them fit into gutters. You can install and position them in a manner that prevents debris from accessing your gutter. The drawback with them is that they clog and are not effective against some types of debris.

Reverse curve gutter guards

These need professional installation and are more efficient against rainwater. Because of their design, they make all types of debris fall to the ground instead of them getting into your gutter.

Foam gutter guards

These gutter guards are foam-placed inside your gutter. They are quite affordable and can make a mess because they create an environment where bacteria can thrive. This type of gutter guard traps debris and moisture.

Screens

Screens have openings that are installed above the gutter. They are easy to install and inexpensive. The drawback with this type of gutter guard is that they have holes on their surface which aren't effective in trapping small debris.

Micro mesh gutter guards

This is an upgrade on the screen guards. They are made with holes that can be seen by the naked eyes. Micro mesh gutter guards are more efficient and they are more expensive.

How to choose a gutter guard

These are the factors you should consider before you buy your gutter guard.

Product warranty

This deals with your gutter guard and roof warranty. Most roofs come with warranties that can last up to 50 years. The warranty may be voided if you buy a type of gutter guard that requires lifting the bottom row of the roof shingles. Gutter guards such as brush and foam guards hardly come with a warranty because they are made to provide a reprieve. The guards installed by experts usually come with a warranty that lasts for years.

Installation process

When choosing a gutter guard, ensure it is easy to install. Some designs blend with the gutter sizes and can also be secured to the frame of the gutter using clips around the edges. You may also opt to remove the guard using equal ease by using a gutter guard that can get installed quickly. Decide if you want a permanent solution that can get installed by an expert or a temporary solution you can install yourself.

Materials used

Pay close attention to the type of materials used to make the gutter guard. Several designs need a mesh for making the central body of the device. This mesh helps to block bigger debris like broken limbs and leaves while allowing the passage of rainwater into your gutter. Durable plastic or wire mesh may get used in building the gutter screens.

Size

Gutter widths range between 5 and 7 inches with the 5 and 6 inches gutters used in places where there is a lot of rainfall. Before you buy the gutter guard, ensure the one you choose will fit.

Climate and location

If you are staying in a place where there is a lot of snow, you should get a gutter guard that is fitted with an ice dam. This type of guard will cut down the possibility of snow packing into your gutter and causing a blockage. The region you stay in should also play a huge role in your choice of gutter guard for your home.

Cost of the gutter guard

Before you choose a gutter guard, you should consider the price. While considering the price, note that cheap isn't always the best. If you opt for a cheap device, you may have to replace it often. Have a balanced approach towards buying the gutter guard by searching for a viable and affordable option.

Aesthetics

If you have concerns about the curb appeal of your home, ensure you select a gutter guard that will be hard to see from below. You may consider choosing a gutter guard that comes in different colors so you match it with the design of your home's exterior.

Company reputation

While searching for a gutter guard, consider the reputation especially if the product comes with a warranty. When it comes to a point where you need to activate the warranty, a company with a good reputation will sort things out. Also, reliable companies often offer better products which is the basis for their reputation.

Product availability

Several gutter guards can only be bought from the company making them. This means the buyer will have to call the company or make an online request. Others can be gotten in person at stores while some are gotten online. Note that gutter guards gotten in hardware stores and online are usually of a simpler build which may not need expert installation. The premium quality gutter guards can only be from contractors or manufacturers.

Gutter style

Gutters usually come in two distinct styles which will determine the gutter guard type that will be used. Gutter guards can be used with either style but some will only work with k-style gutters while others only work with half-round gutters. The manufacturer will always state the type of gutter the guard is made for.

What makes gutter guards important?

There are several reasons why people use gutter guards. The most important thing to remember about gutter guards is that they help elongate the life of the gutter and reduce the energy and time required to clean it.

Averts infestations

When you don't use a water guard, there will be stagnant water in the gutters which will attract birds, rodents, and insects. When you buy a guard, it will help block the pests from accessing your gutters while minimizing the amount of water in your gutter.

Helps fight rust

Without a gutter guard, you will have leaves lying inside your gutter. When leaves absorb moisture, it leads to corrosion and rust on the gutters. A gutter guard will help prevent debris from piling up in your gutter.

Helps prevent blockages

When your gutter is not protected, there is a higher chance it will be clogged. Gutters get exposed to different types of debris such as sediments and leaves. As this debris begins to grow, it will block the gutter.

When such occurs, there will be an overflow of the gutter and the water may damage the building. Using gutter guards will help prevent the blockages in the first place.

Helps to prevent water from freezing

During winter, unprotected gutters will have frozen water in them. This will lead to blockages and impede melted ice from being drained. Even though gutter guards may not block all the frost and water, they can lower their occurrence.

Tips for installing your gutter guard

Here are a few tips that should make it easier to install your gutter guard:

Repair and clean the gutter before installation

Ensure your gutters are clean and in good condition before installing the gutter guard. To do this, rinse the gutter using a garden hose and make sure the gutters are well snug against the fascia. Also, make sure all dents and bends are well straightened so that the guards will fit. Finally, dry the gutters so that the sealants used will work well.

Know the gutter length before buying

You need to know the gutter length before you buy the guard. Gutter guards are sold in the linear foot and some are cold in three or four-foot lengths. Knowing the right length and width will help you cut costs and avoid waste.

Adhere to the manual

When you fail to install the gutter guard based on the manufacturer's instructions, you may not enjoy the warranty coverage. Also, failure to install the guards the right way may lead to the overflow of the gutter.

Fasten the guards in a windy area

If you live in a windy environment, you should invest in the guard fastener. Use all the materials provided for this based on the instructions.

Carry out inspections

Having gutter guards does not exclude you from cleaning your gutters at least twice a year. Regardless of how well these guards prevent debris from accessing your gutters, some of them will still find their way through. Inspect the guard once a while to ensure it is in order.